we have a vet appointment Thursday afternoon for an  assessment of her bone cancer.

she is still cheerful and went rock hunting with me for an hour yesterday. the tumor is almost size of tennis ball and protrude forward from her right shoulder. this seems to allow her to still walk on the leg as it is not weight bearing.

but she holds the foot up now and wants to rest most of the time.

today will be sunny and mid 50s so i will sit outside with her for a couple hours this afternoon.

trying to prepare myself for Thursday, not sure if she will be coming home with us.

what a great dog companion she has been! how lucky i am to have had her company. preparing for being without her as best I can.

Good luck on Thursday at the vet.  I am glad you are able to prepare yourself as best you can.  Knowing that what Heidi has is terminal gives you a chance to have some special times with her, say goodbye and prepare yourself for life without her.  I do believe that is a blessing.  I have lost pets to trauma and find it much more difficult to deal with, the abrupt loss. 

Just as dementia gives us time with our loved ones and time to prepare.  One can look at it as a blessing or a curse.  It's all about perspective.  I think you are handling everything extremely well Alz, considering the circumstances.  Hang in there and give Heidi a hug for me.  After seeing the pic you posted of the two of you, I feel like we are all in this together with you and we are!!!   Keep up the good work.

Alz,

Please give our Heidi girl kisses and hugs for me too. This is so hard I know! I hope you and Heidi got to bask together in the sun today. Good luck Thursday and please check in with us.

Omgosh...I am so sorry that it is growing so fast.  She really has been a great companion.  And I agree, you are handling this all remarkably well...inside you must be just dying though.  I always thought it the mark of a strong woman that when life hands you hardship...you just struggle against it and find some way persevere.  Not that it easy for the one going through it. 

We will hold you close in our hearts and minds all week...and esp Thursday.  

<3

she is not getting up today. no wagging, just lying there staring. she did eat and had water.

I am doing ok, very jittery inside but i can calm down to calm her.

nature! you fall in love, you lose the person, you get sick, people die,more are born, you fall in love again and it hurts but want to be part of it as long as possible.

absolutely a great dog companion. going to walk now, maybe she will come out to front porch to lay in sun awhile.

sigh............

love and courage

looks like the end. she may even die tonight. the cancer in her bone is now too painful to ignore - she is asleep, can not stand, breathing slowed, wants one of us close.

i went outside about 5pm and neighbor was walking her dog. she heard me calling the dog and staggered out. he ran up to her and they kissed mouth to mouth! then she staggered to driveway and peed and laid down again.

mister helped her back to bed, and she is asleep, ro sometimes she is not moving but looking at me.

i think it will be very peaceful. appointment at vet is 12 hours away.

shell shocked.

((Hugs))...letting go is always the hardest thing we do.  Sending you lots of warmth and comfort this day, and a virtual cup of tea and hugs.  Hang in there.

Sometimes they need us be able say it ok go. 

<3

It is said that people and their dogs begin to look alike.  I think you and Heidi look alike.  (That's a good thing!)  

By now the vet visit should be over.  I hope all went well, regardless of what happened.  Heidi will always be a special little girl.

Iris L.

Oh Alz+, especially with all you have had deal with, I am sooo sooo sorry for your loss.  I hope you will give yourself space and time adjust...as things can hit you at odd moments, especially when you least expect them. 

Heidi was such a comfort for you...and she is the reason I have my dog...what a wonderful legacy. 

I know it likely will not feel like it for a while...but you really will find you way.

My whole family sends there love you. 

Hang in there.

<3

heidi died very peacefully. the vet was kind and respectful of her and keeper and me.

the pain increased over that night and it was on the way to the clinic thursday she could no longer set the affected foot down.

get her ashes next week. what a great animal companion! it untied the few people who live on this hill - we all know each other and the dogs who live here and the regular visitors. dogs are a safe topic, every one treated us like real friends.

in a small house like we have the dog's presence is accommodated with every move so will be some time before i stop walking around her usual resting places. 

having your support is really helping, that you knew about it.

blessings on everyone.  going to try to sleep this morning.

love and courage

Alz+, I am so sorry that Heidi is gone from you now.  She was a faithful companion and protector for you.  She is waiting for you over the Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

https://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

((Hugs))

I firmly believe that there a doggy heaven...and that dogs were really just angels in disguise...none of them ever live that long without they wings.

So sorry Alz.  I know the emptiness that is left behind when you lose such a loved companion.  Don't forget your long walks.  Nature can be so healing.  Talk to her when you need or just want to.  I truly believe they can still feel our love and will be waiting for us when it's our time.  Heidi was blessed to be so loved by you.  You gave her a great life.   What a wonderful thing you did for her.    

Sending you a big hug and a prayer for inner peace as you adjust to your new normal.

Alz+ I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard that is to lose a dog. It worse than a person in my opinion.

Alz+,

I wanted to give you my sympathies on the passing of your dog. The picture of you and your dog is beautiful. The love that the two of you have for each other is evident.